Just putting on some new heads and found myself in trouble with some of the screws. Went to a music store, they didn't have anything but recommended wd40. I just read somewhere on the internet that wd40 is potentially the worst thing you could use.
What do you guys use to lubricate screws?

I've recently had a discussion about this, and I heard the same thing about wd40. The guy I was talking with told me that you get the lubricant at the bicycle shop, but I for got the actual name of the lubricant. Maybe the bike shop person would know. But we were talking about lubricating pedals and stuff.

I used to use valve lubricant, like designed for a trumpet etc. It was quite waxy and would adhere nicely to the threads. Eventually that ran out, so now I use heavy grease designed for bikes (it looks and feels a lot like Vaseline).

However, if you have "having trouble" with screws like that, I recommend a tap and die set to clean up the threads. Screws don't normally need lubrication.

Good luck finding taps and dies for 4mm threads! If you know of a source, let us know, because cleaning up threads like this is a good idea.

Otherwise, any machine oil is good for tuning bolts - motor oil, gear oil, lighter grades like sewing machine oil and greases are all fine. However, they will cause your tuning bolts to back out more easily.

I read somewhere that a product called "Krazy Grease" can be used for pretty much anything including drum lug screws. I emailed the company and the guy that answered me is a legit drummer. Long story short, I bought a tub of this grease and it works like an absolute charm. You put a little bit on your screws and work it in with your fingers, wipe off and it leaves a thin film coating on the screw. Shouldn't ever need to lubricate again. It doesn't smell like grease either. When I was done I had a lot left over so I gave it to my buddy for his boat trailer bearings. He swears by the stuff.

Rem Oil Wipes. It is infused with Teflon, and is in a wipe. No dripping, spraying, gumming, smelling funny, or rusting. Just wipe on and go. It is not messy to use, and if it is good enough to lube and protect the inner-workings of firearms, it is definitely good enough for tension screws.

I dip my tension rods in vaseline. I have done this for a long time and have never had a problem and it works.

I can't believe all the stuff you all use to lube up the tension rods lol! You're not protecting vital engine parts for 100,000 miles, you're just trying to create less friction on tiny little screws lol!

One small drop of 3 n 1 on the last 4 or 5 threads of the tension rod is all that is needed, you then screw it in, back it out, put your head on and tune it up. Good lord lol!

I can't believe all the stuff you all use to lube up the tension rods lol! You're not protecting vital engine parts for 100,000 miles, you're just trying to create less friction on tiny little screws lol!

One small drop of 3 n 1 on the last 4 or 5 threads of the tension rod is all that is needed, you then screw it in, back it out, put your head on and tune it up. Good lord lol!

I can't see how using 3 in 1 is any less involved or takes any less time or effort than a dab of Vaseline. How is it any different? It all does the same job, no? And as far as I can see it all takes the same amount of time to apply.

I never said anything about time, to me the oil is thinner which lets the rods turn easier, it won't gunk up after collecting dust and dirt and keeps the lug nuts free of any debris. Grease IMO is not needed nor a good idea, just too thick and is overkill tbh.

Well true both would help with less friction from metal to metal. Though a grease like substance will gunk up over time, especially in the lug nuts and will give inconsistent tension results especially when finger tightening the tension rods. 3 n 1 only creates a residue that's easily cleaned with a can of brake cleaner. That goes for the rods and lug nuts. Sure they both help with friction but with continued use one will gunk up more than the other over time, especially in the lug nuts.